The Essential Spirit : Providing Wholistic Services to and with Older Adults

Everyone who provides services to older adults believes in the biomedical model that addresses the body, mind, and spirit of their clients. On the whole, service providers--be they long-term care professionals, academics, social workers, program professionals, counselors, or even clergy--are quite adept at dealing with the body and the mind. But few understand the essential role of the client's spiritual perspective, which can enhance and make their services and ministries more effective. The Essential Spirit provides such a viewpoint: 1) by exploring a definition of spirituality that is inclusive of both religious and non-religious understandings; and 2) addressing the viewpoints of professionals from a variety of viewpoints. Recognizing that the experience of spirituality is personal and qualitative, The Essential Spirit adds another voice to the ongoing dialogue among professionals and clergy.